Check out these upcoming programs at the Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg libraries
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The Cooper-Siegel Community Library and its Sharpsburg branch offer a variety of programming for visitors of all ages.
To view a complete list of offerings, visit coopersiegel.librarycalendar.com. Events at both libraries are listed and can be viewed according to age group and location.
Registration is required for most programs as space is limited and some programs fill up quickly. In some cases, drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
Registration through the online calendar is encouraged when possible so staff members can plan accordingly. To register by phone, call the respective libraries at 412-828-9520 for Cooper-Siegel and 412-781-0783 for the Sharpsburg branch.
Regular operating hours at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Road in Fox Chapel, are from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
Regular operating hours at Sharpsburg Community Library, 1212 Main St., are from 1 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; the branch is closed on Sundays.
Here are some upcoming events:
Cooper-Siegel Community Library
Kids
• Spanish & English Storytime (ages 3-5): 10:30 to 11 a.m. Nov. 1
Join us for a playful storytime in both Spanish and English with interactive books, rhymes and songs. This program occurs every Friday of the month. Please register for all dates you plan to attend.
• Chinese & English Storytime (preK-second grade): 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 2
Explore the Chinese language through bilingual songs, books and playful experiences. This program occurs on the first Saturday of the month. Please register for all dates you plan to attend. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
• Chess Club (ages 6-11): 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 2
Local teen volunteers are on hand every first Saturday of the month to teach chess to children who are new to the game. The teens also are excited to play games with experienced players. This is not a formal chess class; it’s just a fun opportunity to play the game.
• Make-n-Take … Special Take Home Kit (K-sixth grade): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5
There will be no program because of Election Day, but there will be a special kit to pick up featuring Strawbees.
Teens
• Handmade Holiday Cards (teens and adults): 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 2
The cost is $15 per registrant. This workshop will be led by self-taught Pittsburgh crafter Katy DeMent, known as the Paper Lady. Her work has appeared on HGTV’s “Crafter Coast to Coast” and “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” Participants will learn about the history of papermaking and its processes. Everyone will get to create their own sheets of handmade paper by beating fibers to a pulp and embellish them with a collection of choice natural materials — all held together with natural science, not glue. All supplies will be provided.
• Teen Art Club (ages 11-18): 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 2
Hang out and make some art. Participants can work on their own project or try out the art supplies out for that day, such as 3D printing, watercolors, digital art, cross stitch and more. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
• Teen After Hours (grades 6-12): 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 15
Join us for Teen After Hours every third Friday of the month. There will be pizza and snacks. Come and play video games, sing karaoke, play hide and seek in the library with the lights off and more. This month’s special activity is Ghost Hunt.
Adults
• Simple Movement Through Somatics: 10:30 to noon Nov. 4
Certified person trainer Tom Capriotti will lead a one-hour somatics session. Somatics engages the nervous system in an active learning process that consists of slow, focused and intentional movements. It teaches the nervous system how to release chronic muscle tension, loosen joints and relieve tightness. Somatics also explores how the body holds and expresses painful experiences, applying mind-body healing to aid with trauma recovery. Participants must be able to get up and down from the floor without assistance. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle, and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Author Talk — Stephen Graf: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 7
Pittsburgh native Stephen Graf will discuss his debut novel, “The Third Traveler.” Graf’s novel spans three continents and four decades, exploring the intricate saga of an Irish family through triumphs and tribulations. The novel moves from Ireland to Antarctica to New York City and tells the story of three generations of Irishmen and the consequences of loss, regret and fear.
• Booked for Lunch: Noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 8
This group meets monthly in person and reads both fiction and nonfiction titles of all genres and formats The book for November is “The Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See. Call or stop by the library to get a copy of each month’s book.
• Purls of Wisdom: 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 10
Knitters of all ages and experience levels are welcome to join Fox Chapel Area’s knitting circle. Bring your current work in progress and enjoy conversation, community and informal instruction. New knitters are always welcome — bring yarn and needles if you have them or just bring yourself if you don’t. Extra needles and yarn will be available for the knit-curious.
Mark your calendars
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Library (18 and older): 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Cooper-Siegel
Dancing Gnome Brewery presents its quarterly, live comedy fundraiser featuring Pittsburgh’s best comedians. The headliner is Harriet Riley with host/opener McKinnlee McElroy. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online. All proceeds benefit the Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg libraries.
• 2nd Annual Cookie Walk Fundraiser: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Cooper-Siegel
Leave the holiday baking to us. Stop by to get your holiday cookies and support the library. Cookies will be $10 per dozen. Stick around for some hot cocoa. For details or to volunteer as a baker, email Dana Zinza at zinzad@coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org. Have children ages 5-11? They can build a mini-gingerbread house from 10:30 a.m. to noon while you shop for cookies. All proceeds benefit the Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg libraries.
Sharpsburg Community Library
Kids
• Little Hands Art Storytime (ages 3-5): 2 to 2:45 p.m. Nov. 5
Children are invited to imagine and create with Ms. Alison at this weekly arts-integration storytime for preK children and their caregivers. Each session will include stories and a hands-on developmentally appropriate art activity. The staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome.
• Read With Mishka (grades K-sixth grade): 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 8
Mishka, a certified therapy dog, and her handler are on hand for youngsters to read to and meet. They visit the library on the second Friday of every month. Registration is encouraged. The kids will take turns reading aloud to Mishka. Pre-K children are welcome with an accompanying adult, and drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
• PALS Meet-up (kids through adults): 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 9
Join parents and other families for this informal PALS meet-up, which meets monthly on the second Saturday. PALS, Parent Advocates for Learning Support, is a group of parents concerned about their children’s learning differences and their progress through the school system. The group offers mutual support, education and skill development. Membership includes parents of children with a variety of mental or physical concerns, such as anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, dyslexia, epilepsy, language disorder, learning disabilities, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other academic, social, emotional or physical challenges.
Teens
• Teen Art Studio (grades 6-12): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 4
Join certified art instructor Ms. Alison for a monthly multimedia art studio with a nurturing environment where everyone is encouraged to find the joy in creating art. Participants will paint a banner for Sharpsburg Shines. All supplies are provided. The staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome.
• Anime Club (grades 6-12): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6
This monthly Anime Club meets on the first Wednesday. Teens get to watch a new anime each time, learn some beginner Japanese, draw manga characters, plan out or work on cosplay and more with Mr. Finley. The staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome.
Adults
• Coloring Book Club: 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 4
All supplies are provided for this meet-up program for adults. Each month boasts a specific theme or coloring book.
• Senior Craft & Chat: 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 6
Bring a craft you’re working on or start a new project in this relaxed social program for senior adults. Come for crafts, conversation and a few laughs. The program meets biweekly on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Supplies are provided. This staff-led program is free, but donations are welcome. Parking is available at the library and the 13th Street Municipal Lot, which is metered. The library is accessible via Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s 91 and 1 bus routes — get off at 13th Street.
• Speculative Fiction Book Club: 7 to 8 p.m. Nov. 13
This bimonthly book club meets after hours and focuses on fantasy, science fiction and other speculative fiction genres. This month’s theme is dragons, and the book being read is Moniquill Blackgoose’s “To Shape a Dragon’s Breath,” a fantasy about an Indigenous girl and her dragon. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. Zoom is available for those who prefer to meet virtually.
All ages
• Artist Leah Kass Closing Reception: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 1
Join us for a closing reception of artist Leah Kass’ solo exhibit, “A Reintroduction to Oneself,” which is on display at the library through Nov. 1.
• First Friday Fun: Kindness Edition: 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1
Drop in during Sharpsburg’s First Friday event for a project to celebrate kindness and Mr. Rogers Cardigan Day. The project, which will be geared toward school-age kids through adults, will take at least 15 minutes to complete.